From the Fire Losing Matches

March 8, 2004

Any comments would be appreciated but once again congratulations to Toxxic, your first belt BROTHA!

SWF From the Fire comes blasting back from commercial the cameras panning over the masses of SWF fans that jam packed themselves into the sold out Staples Center, the cameras take in the sea of faces and the various signs that bob within it as Icehouse's "Touch the Fire" booms over the speakers. The camera view finally cuts back to the ring area revealing the SWF backstage crew busy making the final preparations for the next match and sweeping away the aftermath of the devastating Cage Match that preceded it. Stacks of light tubes are being brought out from backstage, huge bundles of 10 or more light tubes are being stacked in the corners or piled around the ring as individual light tubes are being threaded through the ring ropes. Ropes that now sport several coils of barbed wire along their lengths, the cameras focus on the ring crew for a few moments longer amid small pops from the fans as the match begins to take shape and finally switches back to the announcer’s table. Bobby Riley and Cyclone Comet are seated and ready as ever to continue calling the action.

“Hello everyone and welcome back to SWF From the Fire!” Comet yells excitedly. “Its been a great show so far hasn’t it Citizen Riley?”

“Yeah, wonderful.” Riley replies, his face a picture of boredom as he listens to Comet, impatiently waiting for the next match to start as he watches the ring crew feed the last few light tubes through the ropes before they gather up the spare equipment and head backstage once more.

“Show some spirit Robert!” Comet insists as the PPV’s theme song slowly fades from the speakers and Funyon stands up moving to the ringside area looking up at referee Eddy long who already stands in the ring surrounded by barbed wire and light tubes. “We’ve seen not one, not two but THREE title matches already tonight! Not to mention the brutal Stairway To Hell Match between Citizens Onita and Drazon but that hellish Cage Match between Citizen’s Duran and Janus as well! I’m amazed the canvas is still its original colour!”

“We’ll definitely need more than just a mop and a bucket before the nights done Comet. I’m already getting tired from calling the action tonight and we’ve still got three matches to go!”

“Well you are in luck then Robert as we appear to be ready to get the next contest underway! The ring has been set up and all we need now are the men themselves!”

The cameras cut from the commentary team to the ring as Funyon nods to Eddy Long and raises the microphone to his lips.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! The following contest is THE 200 LIGHT TUBES MATCH! FOR THE SWF HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP!” Funyon pauses for a moment as the crowd pops loudly for even that simple announcement before he raises his mic once again. “The match will be conducted under standard Hardcore rulings and additionally the ring has been surrounded with 200 Light tubes and the ropes have been wound with barbed wire!”

“A very ominous prospect Robert having to wrestle amid all those dangerous objects!” Comet chips in as Funyon lowers the mic once again, the fans beginning to get more and more vocal as they await the arrival of the first combatant, cheering loudly as the arena lights drop the building into pitch blackness.

“I hate it when they do this Comet! I can’t see a thing out here!” Riley complains bitterly in the absolute blackness that surrounds the arena, his moaning a counterpoint to the growing cheers of the fans as a graveyard bell begins to toll mournfully before a deep voice reverberates through the speakers.

"Are you scared?"

"He's here..........."

Dark Funeral's “Dead Skin Mask” blasts out from the arena speakers as red lights begin to strobe around the arena, like an alarm system gone wrong - or a system that is warning of imminent carnage. Thick smoke boils up from the entranceway, filling the air and carpeting the floor, a blood red spotlight picks out Aecas as he stands deep in the depths of the smoke, an eerie silhouette will a large staff in one hand and the Hardcore Title belted around his waist. Aecas raises the staff high above his head holding it high in both hands. A long wicked blade snaps forth from the staff as Aecas tips his head back spraying a mist of blood into the air, inciting a roar of approval from the crowd. The Black Angel grins as he lowers the Scythe spitting a small secondary blood mist at the nearest camera with a bloody grin as he begins to walk down the aisle. Aecas continues to grin as he drapes the Scythe over both shoulders and feels the slapping palms of the fans on his broad shoulders as Funyon raises his mic once more.

“Introducing first! From Shrewsbury, England! Weighing 315lbs! He is the SWF HARDCORE CHAMPION! THE BLACK ANGEL! AECAS!!!!!!!!!!”

The fans erupt into cheers once again as the hellish red of the lights continues to play around the arena, Aecas grins at Funyon as he begins to slowly walk around the ring, looking at the masses of light tubes that surround it, and the countless others thrust into the ring ropes. The Black Angel stalks past the announcers table pausing just long enough to deposit his Scythe at the Time Keepers table before setting off once again around the ring until finally he stands at the foot of the ring steps nearest the aisle. Aecas slowly ascends the steel steps and steps through the small gap in the ropes that has been left for just such a purpose, the giant carefully steps into the ring before straightening up once again and immediately mounting the nearest corner. Aecas tears the belt off of his waist and thrusts it high into the air to another roar of approval from the fans, the bestial sound matching the look on the champions face as he jumps back into the ring hitting the corner directly across the ring as well to another loud pop before handing the belt to Eddy Long.

“Citizen Aecas looks ready Robert. Ready for his first title defense and ready to face the very impressive Citizen Toxxic for the first time! A pair of firsts Robert! I just hope for Citizen Aecas’ sake that these firsts will not be his lasts!”

“So you’re betting against Toxxic? I thought you were supposed to be unbiased in your opinions Comet?”

“Certainly not Robert! In an ideal world both men would walk away a winner! As it sands Citizen Toxxic is going to have to work hard to wrest the belt off of Citizen Aecas! And likewise Citizen Aecas cannot afford to underestimate Citizen Toxxic who will be bringing everything he has to the ring with him tonight! This is Toxxic's first chance at gold Robert and he will fight tooth and nail, he’ll do whatever it takes to win!”

“Okay! Spare me the speech making Comet! At this rate people will be suing us for wasting their time rather than exposing them to the kind of violence we’ve already seen tonight!”

“Indeed Robert! We have already seen some brutal matches tonight and this one doe not promise to be any prettier!”

Any further comments are momentarily stilled as the heavy guitars of Lostprophets’ “We Still Kill The Old Way” kicks in, and the words “Prepare To Be Proved Wrong” flash up one after another on the Smarktron, tall jagged white letters on a black background. The picture then cuts to footage of Toxxic taking Mike Van Siclen off a balcony and through a table with the Toxxic Shock Syndrome, the landing timed to coincide with...

GO!

...two red pyros going off either side of the entrance way as the Smarktron shows a close up of Toxxic’s face smiling his distinctive lopsided grin, a shot that cuts to further clips of the Toxxic Shock’s matches The fans explode once again, their cheers even more deafening than the ovation they gave Aecas, the fans showing their support for the young Englishman.

”And the challenger! Weighing in at 218lbs! And Hailing from Nottingham, England! TOXXIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

As the main riff hammers out through the speakers Toxxic emerges from the entranceway, visibly worked up for the match sporting a Lostprophets T-shirt in addition to his regular ring wear. He walks slowly and purposefully down the ring slapping a few palms as he goes before stopping a short distance from the ring. He cracks his neck and stares up at his giant opponent in the ring before rushing forwards, bounding up the stairs and up the turnbuckle in one sudden burst of motion. Perched atop the post Toxxic makes the Straight Edge symbol to the crowd much to the delight of the female fans from the wave of screams and catcalls that follow as the Lostprophets continue to rock the SWF arena.

“So here we go again, another time but it feels the same, got sick of waiting here

Set sail on concrete waves, no survivors left to say too late for the living dead...”

Toxxic remains perched on the ring post for a long moment, gazing down into the ring and into the dead white eyes of his opponent. The music fades away but the cheers of the fans do not, everyone eager to see the beginning of the match as Toxxic leaps lithely into the ring landing in a deep crouch, never taking his eyes off of his opponent before straightening up slowly.

“Citizen Toxxic showing no fear in the face of his opponent Robert! He knows the challenge that has been laid out before him and he looks absolutely ready for it!”

“Maybe so but at least he had the good sense to come out here with a T-shirt on! That at least says he’s ready for this match to me, but how are you supposed to plan for somebody like this? You’ve seen the sort of things Aecas does Comet. He doesn’t care about his opponent’s body or his! Answer me that huh? How are you supposed to plan this?”

“I don’t know Robert, come to the ring in a tank?”

Comet looks confused as Riley buries his head in his hands muttering something about “Rhetorical questions” and “Idiots” as all eyes switch back to ring. Both Aecas and Toxxic slowly move towards the center of the ring as Eddy Long holds the belt up high with both hands, both men look at the belt for a long moment as the cheers of the fans begin to increase once more as they sense the start of the match is near. The Black Angel and the Straight Edger lock gazes once more as Eddy Long carefully hands the belt to the Time Keeper before moving back towards the two men. The fans continue to get more and more audible and Toxxic pauses for a moment as f thinking before stepping forwards and offering his right hand to his giant opponent.

“What the hell is this Comet?”

“It looks as if Citizen Toxxic is inviting Citizen Aecas to shake his hand Robert.”

Bobby Riley takes a deep calming breath to ensure he doesn’t explode into profanity on live TV before turning back to a completely oblivious Comet. “I meant why the hell is he offering his hand? These two are supposed to kill each other tonight not make nice!”

“It’s a show of respect Robert. As simple as that surely?”

“Never mind Comet…” Riley grumbles. “Just...never mind…”

Aecas stares at the extended hand for a long moment before finally he lifts his own right hand and shakes Toxxic’s hand firmly, the Straight Edger gives a single nod of acknowledgement and the pair break away backing off a few paces. Eddy long checks the position of both men before signaling to the Time Keeper to start the match.

DING! DING! DING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As soon as the bell rings both men are on the move as Aecas lunges at his opponent, a move that proves to be in vain as the much quicker Toxxic ducks under his questing arms and rushes across the ring pulling up short in front of the loaded ropes. Both men turn to face one another quickly, Toxxic trying to take the initiative as he rushes back at his gigantic opponent meeting Aecas in the middle only to be swept off of his feet and into a Sidewalk Slam. Toxxic however has other ideas, using his momentum to his advantage and swinging his body up to lock his legs around the head of the Black Angel before throwing all his weight to one side taking Aecas off of his feet with a beautiful Flying Head Scissors. Toxxic leaps back up to his feet only to leave them once more, darting forwards and slamming both boots into Aecas face, flattening the rising giant once more with a textbook Dropkick.

“And Citizen Toxxic is starting the match quickly and painfully!”

“That’s what he has to do Comet, he can’t outmuscle Aecas but he can outpace him without a problem. But more than that he’s got to keep moving he can’t afford to let Aecas slow the pace down even for a second.”

Toxxic is indeed moving, the Straight Edger dragging the first light tube of the match from the ropes to a huge pop from the fans, stepping in behind the already rising Black Angel and smashing the glass down across his back. Aecas arches his back as the glass shatters across his skin continuing to rise as Toxxic quickly plucks another light tube from the ropes this time holding it against Aecas’ head and shattering it with a stiff kick getting an “OOOOOH!” from the fans as glass explodes around the champions head.

“And Citizen Toxxic draws first blood as well Robert! And that cannot bode well for Citizen Aecas!”

“First blood is about pride Comet, and Aecas has been beaten as his own game already!”

Aecas is already beginning to push himself back up to his feet once more, the giant trying to shake off the hard blows and shattered glass to the head and back he just suffered and Toxxic is once again poised and ready to take advantage. Toxxic quickly moves around in front of Aecas, his right foot lashing forwards to smack across the pale chest of his opponent. The Straight Edger draws his foot back once again and measures the Black Angel with another stiff kick to the chest, before he grabs yet another light tube and shatters it against the chest of the champion with yet another well placed kick.

“Citizen Toxxic is trying to shred Citizen Aecas with his feet!”

“He shouldn’t keep this up for to long, it may sting especially with that glass but its still giving Aecas time to recover!”

Toxxic draws his foot back for a forth time, the boot flashing in and smashing into Aecas’ left side drawing a grunt from the giant but also drawing his massive left arm down tight against his side, trapping Toxxic’s leg against his body. Toxxic’s expression changes from one of confidence to one of horror as Aecas’ huge right hand slaps around his throat. The Black Angel quickly stands up, dragging Maddix with him by the leg and the throat, the giant spins on one heel his hand tightening around his opponents throat before dropping down to his knees, slamming Toxxic back first into the canvas.

“Leg Capture Chokeslam!”

“A nice counter to those kicks Robert, too many big moves like that are going to slow the pace of this match down and as you said that’s something Citizen Toxxic cannot afford to do.”

“He won’t let the pace stay slow for long Comet, all he needs to do is get more light tubes and more weapons in there, couple those with speed and he’ll soon have this match firmly back in his control.”

“Then he had better move fast Robert!”

Aecas grabs Toxxic by the hair, not wasting any time as he pulls his opponent back up to his feet, shoving the Straight Edger’s head down between his legs and leaning forwards to wrap his massive arms around the smaller mans waist. Aecas hoists Toxxic up to his shoulders but the smaller man is quick to react, breaking the giants hold on him and wrapping an arm around the head of the Black Angel. Toxxic spins his body around once again, all his weight dragging Aecas’ head back down to the canvas as the challenger spikes his huge opponent into the canvas with a thunderous Tornado DDT.

“Is that fast enough for you Comet? Aecas is underestimating Toxxic already and that’s going to cost him dearly!”

Toxxic quickly pushes himself back up to his feet, moving back to the ropes and stripping five more light tubes from the outside creating a gap through the glass as he piles them on top of the Black Angel’s chest. Toxxic stamps hard on the champion’s head to keep his mind reeling before he steps through the hole he just created standing on the apron and gripping the top rope between the coiled barbs that surround it. Toxxic pauses on the apron for a brief moment before he springs up to the top, leaping off and crashing down leg first across the chest of the Black Angel shattering the light tubes and driving more glass into the chest of the champion.

“And Toxxic continues the pressure with that huge Springboard Legdrop!”

“Citizen Toxxic is all over Citizen Aecas in the early stages of this match Robert!”

“Just like I told you Comet, as long as Toxxic combines his speed with these weapons he’s going to overwhelm Aecas.”

Back in the ring Toxxic wastes no time, dragging himself up to his knees and quickly moving over to cover the champion as Aecas lays prone on the canvas, Eddy Long is close at hand and drops down to his belly, raising a hand to start the count.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

KICKOUT!!!!!!!!!!

Aecas’ right shoulder shoots off of the canvas before Long’s hand has even got halfway back up, the action galvanizing Toxxic back into action as the challenger leaps back up to his feet darting towards the ropes once more. The Straight Edger leaps onto the second rope his hands grasping the top for a brief second to keep his balance before he leap backwards his body arcing in the graceful curve of a Lionsault to find nothing but hard canvas as Aecas rolls out of the way a second before the impact.

Toxxic pops back up to his feet after the impact, but this time his face is twisted with pain and both arms are clutching at his chest from the impact of his missed Moonsault. Momentarily slowed by the sudden pain Toxxic is caught completely off guard and flattened as Aecas launches himself at his opponent, smashing his challenger upside down and inside out with a devastating Lariat. The Black Angel falls down to his knees for a brief moment before he angrily pushes himself back up to his feet, the voices of the fans ringing in his ears, cheers for himself and Toxxic alike echoing around the arena.

“And that’s where speed will get you if you aren’t careful Robert. He missed one Moonsault and got his head taken off for it.

“I never said there were no risks involved in speed Comet.” Riley states flatly as Aecas gets his hands on the light tubes for the first time in the match.

The fans let out another pop as Aecas drags a light tube from the ropes turning and smashing it down across the back of his challenger, glass explodes once again but Toxxic’s T-Shirt serves to absorb most of the punishment. Aecas shakes his head angrily, throwing the stump of the light tube away and ripping another pair from the ropes and shattering them over Toxxic’s head, the challenger jerking on the canvas as he feels the bite of the glass for the first time. Tossing away the light tube remnants once more Aecas moves to the mostly cleared side of the ring, stepping through the barbed wire ropes and dropping down to the floor. Aecas quickly grabs several thick stacks of spare light tubes that surround the ring, sliding them into the squared circle before looking underneath the ring sending three steel chairs following the light tubes into the ring. A table comes next to a loud pop from the fans as Aecas balances the wood on the apron and the crowd barrier before the champion goes underneath the ring one last time grabbing a ladder to another loud cheer and sliding it into the ring as well.

“Citizen Aecas coming back with some toys of his own fresh from the crowd and this cannot bode well for Citizen Toxxic!”

“I see a ladder out there…”

“Indeed Robert! Its usually Citizen Toxxic who favours the ladder but it seems like Citizen Aecas is determined to get one step ahead of his opponent!”

Toxxic is starting to push himself back up to his feet as Aecas re-enters the ring, the Black Angel grabbing two of the chairs and opening them up, planting them firmly in the middle of the ring before he lays three of the tight tube bundles across the steel in a bridge. Aecas strips another three light tubes from the ropes gripping them in one huge hand, turning around to face his challenger the Black Angel lifts the light tubes up high, before he brings them crashing down onto the top of Toxxic’s head once again. Glass explodes across the ring as the densely packed light tubes disintegrate into a hail of razor sharp splinters, the artificial rain scattering all around the ring as Toxxic collapses back onto the canvas, his hands clutching at his bloody forehead once more.

Aecas grins as he tosses away the stumps of the light tubes, reaching down and hauling Toxxic back up to his feet by his bloodstained hair. He grins into the face of his bloody opponent, before looking out at the crowd and pointing to the light tube bridge between the chairs. The fans let out another roar of approval as they see what the Black Angel is planning as he drags Toxxic over to stand in front of the chairs and the light tubes, quickly pushing his opponents head down between his legs and leaning forwards to wrap his arms around the waist of the smaller man.

“Citizen Aecas is set to send Citizen Toxxic straight to casualty!”

“This didn’t work last time he tried it Comet!”

Aecas heaves Toxxic up onto his shoulders, holding the challenger up for a moment before altering his grip and hurling him back down to the canvas. Toxxic’s arms windmill as he falls, his back arching as he is driven right through the cluster of light tubes to bounce off of the glass coated canvas from the vicious Powerbomb, the crowd expressing their feeling the only way they can as another roar rocks the building.

“RRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Powerbomb right through the light tubes!”

“Citizen Aecas is slicing the challenger into pieces right in front of us!”

“And Toxxic has got to get Aecas back on the defensive or he is as good as dead!”

Aecas drops down to his knees amid the slivers of glass that cover the ring, ignoring the sharp pinpricks on his exposed flesh as he quickly covers Toxxic, dragging one leg back as Long counts the pinfall on the chair, trying to avoid getting his hands lacerated by the glass shards.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

KICKOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toxxic shoots his right shoulder off of the canvas as Long’s hand descends for the three count and quickly tries to roll away from his huge opponent, Aecas ignores the fallen Straight Edger as he slides back out of the ring once more, seeming preoccupied with something other than his opponent.

“What on earth is Citizen Aecas doing now?”

“He’s making another bad move here, looking for weapons when he should be pressing the attack!”

Aecas quickly walks around the outside of the ring gathering up several more thick bundles of light tubes from the outside and sliding them into the ring before clambering back in once more, advancing on Toxxic as the Straight Edger pushes himself back up to his feet. The giant grabs Toxxic’s right arm, Irish Whipping him hard across the ring, the Straight Edger’s boots crunch through the rings glass coating as he hurtles across the length of the squared circle. Toxxic rebounds off of the ropes, several light tubes shattering from the impact and the barbed wire plucking at his shirt before he charges back towards Aecas. The challenger ducks under a huge New Rock boot rebounding once more off the ropes and throwing all his strength into his right foot as he streaks forwards and Superkicks Aecas square in the chin.

The Black Angel staggers backwards across the ring from the impact, and Toxxic struggles to capitalize, running past the giant into the ropes once more, ignoring the jabbing pain of the barbed wire as he gains momentum, leaping into the air as high as his legs will carry him. The challenger’s right arm wraps around the head of his gigantic opponent pulling him forwards and off of his feet, planting him face first into a stack of light tubes!

HOLY SHIT!

“And Toxxic comes back once again! What did I tell you Comet?!”

“Citizen Toxxic returning the favour by driving Citizen Aecas’ head into those light tubes! I hope Citizen Toxxic has something up his sleeve though Robert because Aecas is already starting to get back up!”

Toxxic does indeed seem to have a plan, as the challenger quickly shoves his rising opponent, rolling Aecas towards the ring apron, the Straight Edger has to use all his strength to shift the bulk of his opponent and finally gets Aecas draped, half on, and half off of the table. Toxxic hauls the huge legs of the Black Angel onto the table as well, leaving Aecas laying fully across the wood, Toxxic isn’t finished there either as he grabs a steel chair from the ring using it to devastating effect on Aecas’ unprotected and by now very bloody head. The giant’s body jerks from the impact as Toxxic tosses away the chair and slides back into the ring, setting the ladder up to the rising delight of the crowd as the challenger quickly begins to scale the metal.

“Citizen Toxxic is going all the way up top Robert! This could be his big chance!”

Toxxic carefully climbs to the top of the ladder punching an arm into the air and getting another huge response from the crowd before he gathers his legs under him and leaps off of the ladder. Toxxic flips himself through a full 450 degrees as he plummets towards the ground finally smashing stomach first right through Aecas and the table to the outside!

“450 Splash!”

“He hit it perfectly Robert!”

“Did he ever! I think he touched the ceiling with that one!”

HOLY SHIT!

“And the fans say it all Citizens! Citizen Toxxic just put everything on the line to take out his opponent!”

“And these guys are getting back up!”

Aecas is slowly pushing himself back up to his feet, the Black Angel slumps against the side of the ring and slowly crawls under the bottom rope, the cameras focusing in on the giants face, an expression of confusion written all over the champion’s features. Toxxic on the other hand, is in much better shape having had Aecas there to break his fall, he gets back up to his feet and grins his hands shooting out into his Straight Edge pose to the cheers of the fans before he crawls back into the ring after his opponent.

“Citizen Aecas doesn’t know where the hell he is right now Robert!”

“And this is a perfect opportunity for Toxxic to strike! He’s got Aecas down and more importantly he’s got him hurt!”

“Well he’s doing the right thing and going for a cover after that huge 450 Splash!”

“That’s not the right thing Comet! He needs to hit him again with something big to make sure he stays down!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aecas’ shoulder shoots off of the canvas at the last possible second to a mixed reaction of cheers and boos from the fans who evidently thought the match was all over. Frustration is also evident on the bloody face of Toxxic who pushes himself back up to his feet, looking down at his opponent and shaking his head before quickly moving over to the nearest corner. Toxxic grabs the top rope with both hands, using it to slingshot himself up to the top quickly following up this jump with another hop onto the ropes that sends his body cart wheeling back into the ring with a beautifully executed Double Jump Moonsault. Unfortunately like the Lionsault before it, the otherwise flawless move is foiled as Aecas rolls away from the impact, leaving Toxxic to crash down to the canvas once again driving more glass splinters into the flesh of his chest.

Toxxic struggles to push himself back up, his chest a sea of pain from the hard impact with the canvas and the shards of glass that cover it playing right into the champions hands as he gets back up to his feet as a huge boot crashes into his stomach. The Black Angel wraps a huge arm around the head of his opponent, his left moving down to grab the fabric of Toxxic’s Tripp trousers. Aecas lifts his opponent effortlessly into the air, holding the Straight Edger up for a brief moment before dropping him down with a nasty looking Brainbuster, smashing the challenger head and shoulders first into he canvas.

“Citizen Aecas has got Citizen Toxxic firmly in his clutches! We’ve seen this before Robert! I don’t know if Citizen Toxxic can hold out against an onslaught like this!”

“Would you listen to yourself Comet! Aecas is obviously a weak champion and Toxxic is going to prove that when he beats that idiot tonight and takes his title away on the first defense!”

Aecas is quick to get back up to his feet his arms still clutching Toxxic in a deadly embrace as the Black Angel heaves his opponent into the air once more, dropping him down on his head a second time in the single swift movement of a flawless Evenflow Brainbuster.

“And there’s the Evenflow! Next comes the Corkscrew and that might herald the end of Citizen Toxxic!”

Aecas slowly makes his way back up to his feet once more; Toxxic still has enough fight in him to struggle, trying to break the hold but lacking the strength to tear him free as Aecas inevitably lifts him off of his feet once again. The Black Angel holds his opponent high in the air for several long moments letting the blood run to the head before pivoting on the spot, spinning 360 degrees as he drops Toxxic down one last time, smacking the Straight Edger’s head off the canvas for a third consecutive time.

“Citizen Toxxic is standing at the Entrance to Hades Robert!”

Aecas finally breaks his hold on his challenger, the giant floating over after the final Brainbuster quickly covering Toxxic in a lateral press and hooking back a leg as Eddy Long moves in to count the pinfall once again.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the last possible second Toxxic’s left shoulder shoots off of the glass covered canvas to a huge cheer from the fans as the Straight Edger refuses to go down for the count.

“And Citizen Toxxic refuses to lose Robert!”

“For somebody who doesn’t favour the hardcore environment Toxxic is showing an impressive amount of endurance. I didn’t think he’d last this long, much less kick out of that!”

“He’s a driven man Robert! He wants to walk out of this arena with the Hardcore Championship!”

Aecas moves back up to his knees after his failure to pin the challenger, the Black Angel’s face unreadable as he places his hands on his hips staring down at Toxxic clearly wondering what he will have to do to defeat this pugnacious opponent. Finally he reaches a decision rolling out of the ring under the bottom rope and back down to the floor, pulling up the ring covering and looking beneath the squared circle once again.

“Citizen Aecas looks to be at something of a loss Robert.”

“I don’t think he expected Toxxic to be quite as resilient as this Comet. But you can bet he’s got something up his sleeve.”

The something is quickly revealed as Aecas drags another table out from the gloom beneath the ring to another cheer from the fans, the barbed wire board that comes next gets an even larger cheer as Aecas adds yet another weapon into the match. The Black Angel quickly sets the table up on the outside, just beyond the aisle way before searching beneath the ring once again producing another barbed wire board that he slides into the ring, before following it into the glass coated arena. Hefting the barbed wire board the champion walks towards his challenger who is slowly beginning to stir and shake off the effects of the trio of Brainbusters. Aecas quickly puts a stop to that as he slams the board down barbs first on Toxxic’s chest, leaving the Straight Edger buried beneath the wood and metal as he moves to the nearest corner. Aecas slowly ascends the turnbuckles perching on the top for a moment before he slowly rises up, standing tall on the top rope and pointing down into the ring at his downed opponent.

“Citizen Aecas is standing tall Robert! But what could he have in mind?!”

“Its anybodies guess Comet, but the last place I would want to be now is underneath that barbed wire board!”

Aecas looks down at his opponent for a long moment before he bends his legs and leaps off of the top turnbuckle, his massive bloodstained arms held out like a pair of wings as he sails through the air and stomps the barbed wire board into the body of his opponent driving the barbed metal into the flesh of his challenger.

HOLY SHIT!

The fans erupt in yet another faecal chant as Aecas crashes down to his knees on the glass covered canvas as he loses his footing the Black Angel raising his arms to the cheers of the fans before he slowly pushes himself back up to his feet.

“M Bison stomp on the barbed wire board! Citizen Aecas has just squashed his challenger Robert!”

“As if the barbed wire wasn’t bad enough he just had 315lbs dropping on him from on high! This has got to be it Comet!”

Aecas ignores Toxxic for the moment more interested in the few remaining light tubes that surround the ropes, plucking another 8 from between the cables and leaning them into the corner he just leapt from. One of the two remaining light tube bundles follows them another 10 light tubes added to the pile before Aecas finally moves back to his opponent lifting away the board and revealing the battered and bloody Straight Edger. Grabbing Toxxic by the hair Aecas slowly pulls his opponent back up to his feet and dragging him over to the corner, the Black Angel props his challenger up against the light tubes before slowly backing away across the ring to the opposite corner, dropping down into a crouch.

“Citizen Aecas is clearly setting up Citizen Toxxic for the Gore Robert!”

“He’s wasting too much time Comet, he should have pinned Toxxic when he had the chance!”

Aecas leans back in the corner for a moment before he roars back out into the ring, charging towards his battered opponent and diving forwards into the corner. Instead of meeting his opponents sternum the Black Angel crashes head first into the stacks of light tubes he set up as Toxxic dodges at the last possible second as glass explodes over the head of the champion. Toxxic is quick to react as Aecas lurches back, both hands clutching at his lacerated head and face, the Straight Edger slips past the Black Angel boosting himself up onto the second rope and wrapping his left arm around Aecas’ throat with an inverted Facelock. Before the champion can react Toxxic leaps off of the turn buckles twisting his body in mid air, his weight dragging Aecas with him before gravity takes hold and slams both men back to the canvas as Toxxic drives the back of Aecas’ head into the ring with a thunderous Reverse Tornado DDT!

“RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” go the fans as Toxxic rolls over and drapes himself over the huge body of the champion as Eddy Long rushes in to count the pinfall one more time.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The count is close but Aecas is no more willing to give in than Toxxic, and his huge shoulders leave the canvas before Eddy Long can count to three.

“What a counter attack by Citizen Toxxic!”

“Just like I said Comet Aecas wasted too much time and look what happened! He almost lost the match!”

“It takes just 3 seconds to win or lose Robert! Citizen Toxxic is putting up a truly heroic struggle and I have to say that either man could easily be taking the belt home tonight!”

“For once you and I agree Comet, this is getting too close to call. Aecas is tough but Toxxic simply refuses to go down Aecas is going to have to pull out something big if he wants to keep that belt around his waist!”

Toxxic starts to slowly push himself back up grabbing Aecas by the hair and trying to drag his opponent up with him, the champion however is not about to go willingly, slamming a huge fist into the stomach of his challenger. Toxxic grunts from the blow doubling over slightly before smashing a punch of his own into the side of the Black Angel’s head, both men continue to exchange punches as they get back up to their feet. Though the blows lack the impact they would have had at the start of the match Aecas’ strength is still prodigious enough to send Toxxic reeling back from a well placed hammer to the jaw. Aecas quickly follows his challenger as he staggers backwards, moving in and scooping Toxxic up onto one broad shoulder holding the struggling Straight Edger in position for a Bulldog Powerslam before he steps close to the ropes and begins to drag Toxxic’s back over the barbed wire!

“Citizen Aecas is trying to skin Citizen Toxxic!”

“That shirt may have helped against the light tubes but it offers no protection at all against barbed wire Comet!”

Bobby’s observation proves to be all to accurate as Aecas drags his writhing challenger along the barbed wire the shirt is becoming more torn and frayed by the moment as the barbed wire tears at the cloth and the skin beneath. Finally relenting Aecas turns away from the ropes, pivoting on one foot and Powerslaming Toxxic down to the glass covered canvas the fragments finally finding a path to the back of the Straight Edger through his ruined shirt. The champion turns away from his opponent once more, stepping through the ropes and walking along the apron to the nearest corner, slowly climbing up the turnbuckles once again, this time however Aecas does not have things his own way. The Black Angel finally gets into position just as a hand yanks the top rope, ruining his balance and sending him crotch first onto the top turnbuckle with a yell of pain.

“And Citizen Toxxic is back up Robert!”

“And he’s got Aecas at his mercy Comet! He’s got to capitalize on this and he’s got to do it now!”

Toxxic is already on the move, one hand grabbing a dented steel chair that he tosses down in front of the corner while the other snags one of the last light tubes from the ropes smashing the glass over the already bloody head of the Black Angel. Toxxic steps in close wrapping his right arm around the huge head of the Black Angel, he looks out at the fans for a moment before he throws all his weight backwards hauling Aecas forwards from his perch and DDT’ing him straight south onto the steel chair!

“OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

But the Straight Edger isn’t finished there, amid the deafening cheers of the fans Toxxic moves over to the barbed wire board as Aecas’ huge body tumbles out of the corner and crumples down to the canvas. The challenger has a manic gleam in his eyes as he lifts the board up and drops it down over the massive chest of the champion before pointing at the corner and shouting to the fans getting another deafening cheer in response as he moves in.

“Citizen Toxxic is feeling it Robert!”

“And Aecas is going to feel it in a moment as well!”

Gripping the top rope with both hands Toxxic vaults up onto the top rope perching there ass he glances left and right at the screaming fans before he leaps off of the top hurtling back down towards the canvas and crushing the barbed wire board into Aecas’ prone body with a monstrous Senton!

“RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“And Citizen Toxxic just cashed in on that barbed wire receipt Robert!”

“Yes he did Comet but will it be enough?”

Toxxic quickly rolls himself over and lays prone on top of the barbed wire board, pinning the champion down and driving the sharp metal into him at the same time as Eddy Long quickly rushes over once again.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A split second before Long’s hand hits the canvas Aecas desperately shoves at the barbed wire board; dislodging it and his challenger just enough to escape defeat to a thunderous chorus of boos and cheers from the fans.

“Evidently not Robert! Citizen Aecas escapes defeat once again! And the good Citizens here don’t seem to know who they want to cheer for more!”

“I don’t think they’ll have a choice soon Comet! Aecas only just managed to get his shoulder off of the canvas! One more big move like that and I think we’ll have a new champion tonight!”

Toxxic is already looking for that big move as he grabs one of the less damaged chairs from the canvas, opening it up and placing it in the center of the ring before piling the last few light tubes on top of it. Pausing only to wipe the blood from his eyes Toxxic bends down and grabs the blood covered champion by the hair straining to pull the giant back up to his feet. Unfortunately for the challenger Aecas isn’t as helpless as he is acting, the giant lurches back up to his feet throwing off Toxxic’s hand as his right fist comes sailing in snapping back Toxxic’s head with a huge Knuckle Bomb!

“Knuckle Bomb! It looks as if Citizen Aecas has been taking pointers from Citizen Bailey Robert!”

Toxxic staggers back a pace from the sheer impact of the blow shaking his head before he charges at the larger man only to be met by a second stiff Knuckle Bomb that half spins him around. As Toxxic stands momentarily dazed Aecas is quick to act stepping in front the smaller man, he grabs Toxxic by the neck and crotch and hoists him up into the air, holding him up in a Gorilla Press. The Black Angel looks down at the chair that Toxxic set up backing off slowly as the fans get louder and louder, cheers and boos filling the air as the crowd chants for both men.

“And Citizen Aecas is going for the Mother F ‘n’ Bomb!”

“Toxxic’s luck may have run out Comet!”

Aecas runs towards the chair and its deadly cargo preparing to slam Toxxic down into the steel and glass hell that awaits him but the Straight Edger has enough wits left to see what is coming, wriggling out of the Black Angel’s grasp. Aecas comes to a sudden halt as he loses his grip on the challenger stopping barely a foot away from the light tubes as Toxxic hits the floor behind him. As soon as Toxxic’s feet his the canvas he leaves them again, Dropkicking both boots into the back of Aecas’ left knee knocking the giants leg out form under him and sending him crashing down to one knee. Leaping back up to this feet Toxxic presses the attack once more, with only a short run up he leaps into the air once more, his hands grabbing Aecas by the hair smashing the champions head into the steel and glass with a devastating Bulldog!

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Toxxic doggedly climbs back up to his feet as Aecas slumps against the chair, the champion out of commission for a few more critical moments, the Straight Edger returns to the ladder, repositioning it so it overlooks the aisle and the barbed wire table beyond. Pausing to check that his opponent is still where he left him Toxxic begins to slowly scale the ladder, wincing with every step as the toll of the match begins to catch up with him. As the Straight Edger climbs Aecas rises unsteadily to his feet, the giant pushing his blood soaked hair away from his face and looking up blearily at his climbing challenger before slowly stepping forwards and hammering his fist into his opponents lower back. Toxxic arches his back in pain as the huge fists slam into his kidneys again and again, as Aecas hammers at his opponent until Toxxic slumps forward onto the ladder, just barely keeping his footing.

“Citizen Toxxic gave Citizen Aecas another face full of glass Robert but he turned his back on the champion once again!”

“And now he’s going to pay for it Comet, there’s no two ways about it. He missed his chance and now Aecas gets his.”

Satisfied that his opponent is at least momentarily subdued Aecas begins to climb the ladder himself, the giant shoving his head between Toxxic’s legs forcing the challenger to sit on his shoulders as he slowly continues up the ladder. Toxxic grasps at the champions hair as he finds himself getting higher and higher until he can see the barbed wire and light tube infested table looming in front of him, the fans can see it to and they begin to stir with excitement as they sense what’s coming.

“Robert…you don’t think he’s going to try the Assault Driver off the ladder do you?”

“I don’t think he’s trying anything Comet he’s doing it!”

The fans get more and more vocal as the two men slowly get higher and higher, Toxxic slamming several desperate punches into the head of the champion. Aecas flinches from the blows as he stands on the third rung from the top quickly reaching up to try and grab Toxxic’s hands to secure him in place, and its this sudden move that gives Toxxic the opening he so desperately needs. The Straight Edger hurls all of his weight backwards locking his legs tightly around the throat of the Black Angel, jerking him off of the ladder and SMASHING HIM BACK INTO THE RING WITH A REVERSE HURRACARANA OFF THE LADDER!

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

HOLY SHIT!

“Pardon my French Robert, but HOLY SHIT!”

“Yes! More apt words were never spoken Comet!”

The cheering of the fans threatens to shake the building as Toxxic slowly stirs in the aftermath of the impact, the Straight Edger crawling painfully over the glass covered canvas slowly rolling Aecas over onto his back and slumping down on top of him.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eddy Long’s hand smacks the canvas a split second after Aecas right shoulder feebly jerks from its surface, the referee quickly jabbing two fingers into the air to the shocked cheers of the fans as Aecas BARELY kicks out of his pinning predicament.

“And Citizen Aecas gets the shoulder up! Can you believe this Robert?!”

“I can’t believe how quickly the match just swerved Comet! Aecas had Toxxic right where he wanted him and then he pulled out what has to be the move of the match right there! Toxxic has taken Aecas further than I think anyone thought possible Comet!”

Toxxic rolls off of his massive opponent back down to the canvas, both men laying in the glass, chests heaving as the fans continue to cheer themselves hoarse, shouting support for both superstars as they struggle to gather the energy needed to finish the match. Proving his endurance once again its Toxxic who finally starts to get back up to his feet first, a full minute and a half after the huge Reverse Rana from the ladder Toxxic reaches his feet. The Straight Edger looks out at the sea of faces chanting both Aecas' name and his before he slowly leans down and grabs Aecas by the hair once again. Toxxic pulls Aecas up to his knees, pushing the champions head between his legs and slowly capturing the giant’s massive arms in a double underhook.

“What courage by Citizen Toxxic Robert! He’s going for the Toxxic Shock Syndrome!”

“He’s going for it alright Comet but does he have enough strength left to hit it?!”

Toxxic heaves at the giant body of the champion but to no avail, at this point in the match the Straight Edger lacks the strength to pull out the move, but he struggles on, the cheers of the fans encouraging him as Aecas slowly begins to struggle in his grip. Aecas slowly moves up off of his knees and up to his feet, still bent over as Toxxic struggles to keep hold of his powerful arms, trying to end the conflict once and fall all Toxxic gathers his remaining strength and tries to plant Aecas face first into the canvas one more time. But it is not to be, as he finally loses his battle for control and Aecas frees his arms, the massive limbs wrapping themselves around the legs of the challenger and forcibly lifting him off his feet. Aecas takes two blind running steps forwards and crushes his challenger into one of the corners that overlook the aisle, Toxxic slumping into the turnbuckles as Aecas falls to his knees clutching at his head.

“Citizen Aecas proves to be too strong for Citizen Toxxic Robert! But you have to wonder how much longer he can continue!”

“Not much longer Comet you can see how he’s clutching at that head of his. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s secured himself another concussion from that fall off the ladder.”

Forcing himself back up to his feet Aecas faces his challenger, the Black Angel slowly pulls Toxxic out of the corner, before he boots the challenger up to sit on the top turnbuckle. Slowly and painfully Aecas steps through the ropes and onto the apron he raises his head and points at the barbed wire table on the outside getting another huge pop from the fans as he slowly climbs up the turnbuckle after Toxxic. As he stands precariously on the second rope Aecas turns his opponent on the turnbuckle so the backs of both men are facing the table on the outside.

“What on earth could Citizen Aecas be thinking Robert!”

“I don’t know Comet but I’m sure that tables too far away! They’ll never make it!”

Aecas slowly raises one foot and places it on the top turnbuckle his massive arms wrapping around the waist of his challenger as the Black Angel looks out at the fans once more before he pushes himself off of the corner and towards the aisle way dragging Toxxic with him and GERMAN SUPLEXING THE CHALLNEGER THROUGH THE BARBED WIRE TABLE FROM THE TOP!

HOLY SHIT!

The fans rock the arena as both men crash bodily through the table, their combined weight reducing it to splinters as Aecas and Toxxic lay at the mouth of the aisle in a mess of barbed wire and wooden and glass splinters.

“Fallen Angel! Fallen Angel from the top and all the way to the outside!”

“And will this be enough to put away Toxxic?! For gods sake what will it take if its not?!”

Eddy Long is quick to slide out of the ring as he sees the two men crash down to the outside, as Long reaches the scene Aecas rolls himself over and drapes an arm over Toxxic’s bloody chest, the only cover he can manage after the savagery of the match.

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND A HALF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

TWO AND THREE QUARTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DING! DING! DING!

The fans explode once more as Long’s hand slaps the floor for the final time, Dark Funeral’s “Dead Skin Mask” hits the speakers once again fighting to audio dominance with the fans as they cheer for the efforts of both men. Eddy Long quickly retrieves the Hardcore Title from the Time Keepers table before moving back to the pile that lies at the foot of the aisle, Aecas is stirring slightly and as Long approaches sits up pain etched into his normally blank features as one hand cradles the back of his head once again. Long hands the giant the Hardcore Title before raising his free hand into the air as Funyon’s voice booms over the speakers once more.

“The winner of the match! AND STILL SWF HARDCORE CHAMPION! THE BLACK ANGEL! AECAS!!!!!!!!!”

“Citizen Aecas did it Robert!”

“Only just Comet! I haven’t seen a match this close in a long time! Toxxic came within a whisker of snatching the Hardcore Belt away from Aecas and that plant loving idiot should be thanking his lucky stars right now!”

Aecas slowly drags himself back up to his feet, the Hardcore Title dangling loosely from one large hand as he slowly and painfully limps around the ring to the Time Keepers table. The Black Angel retrieves his scythe and slowly turns away once more, using the staff to help support his tired an battered body, slowly moving back to the foot of the aisle to a stirring Toxxic as the deafening cheers of the fans ring in his ears. Toxxic looks up tiredly as Aecas approaches him and the Black Angel drops the hardcore Title to the floor before extending one huge hand to his downed opponent. The Straight Edger looks at the hand for a long moment as if judging the intent behind it before he grips it and Aecas slowly pulls him up to his feet, both men lean against one another for support for a long moment before Aecas shakes Toxxic’s hand firmly and then raises it up into the air to another deafening cheer from the fans.

“What the hell is this Comet?!”

“Its called respect Robert. This match was more about respect than about the title.”

“This is making me sick! These two just beat the crap out of each other! There shouldn’t be anything else but hatred there!”

“Oh shush Robert before you give yourself stomach ulcers!”

“…...…”

Aecas releases Toxxic’s hand after a long moment before he stoops to retrieve the Hardcore Title, the Black Angel allows one of the ring crew to take his scythe from him allowing him to throw Toxxic’s left arm over his shoulder. Both men begin to slowly walk up the aisle, away from the scene of carnage they just wreaked the fans on either side of them and all around the arena on their feet and applauding the effort of both men as they slowly make their way up the ramp. Challenger and champion pause at the entranceway and both raise their arms once again in salute of the fans and each other before disappearing into the darkness of backstage to greet the EMT’s that wait for them.

“What a match that was Citizens! Those two men put everything on the line and took one another to the absolute limit for you tonight! But it doesn’t stop there good Citizens this match may be over but the show continues! Citizen Night has yet to take on a special mystery opponent and we mustn’t forget tonight’s Main Event as Citizen Mathews will take on Citizen Va’aiga for the World Title!”

“And get mauled by the leader of the Unnamed. You know as well as I do Comet that Matthews doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Not even with Citizen Va’aiga’s damaged cheek bone?”

“Not even then.”

“Sterling words Robert but I have to disagree with you. Citizen Matthews has more than enough skill and ability to wrestle the title away from Citizen Va’aiga!”

“We’ll see then won’t we?”

“Yes we will Robert but not for a while yet as coming up next we have ourselves a good old fashioned Grudge Match as Citizen Clark takes on his most recent nemesis, the HVille Thugg!”

“You know Comet I’m just going to go ahead and say that, violent as this match was Thugg Vs. Clark is probably going to be a lot messier than what we just saw.”

“You might be right there Robert, the tension between these two men has been rising these past weeks and own Commissioner had to take matters into his own hands to prevent them from tearing one another apart before tonight!”

“Well they’ll get their chance in a few minutes Comet. And if I was the Commissioner I’d already have a small fleet of ambulances and a mobile blood bank standing by for the aftermath of this one.”

“A wise plan there Robert, but fortunately for us you’re not the commissioner so we can sit back and watch the fun with no consequences! We have to go to commercial now good Citizens but say tuned as Citizen Clark Vs. Citizen HVT is up next!”

The cameras focus on the ring once again as the show begins to fade out to commercial, the fans still buzzing from the match they just saw and eagerly awaiting the last three matches of the night. The picture slowly begins to fade out, the last image shows the SWF ring crew beginning to hurriedly sweep up the shattered glass, wood and barbed wire from the ring and the surrounding area, clearing the squared circle for the next match as we fade out to Comet’s latest Pepsi Max commercial.

Toxxic · March 8, 2004

German suplex off the top to the outside through a barbed wire table? i'd be LEGALLY DEAD~

But that match rocked. Must have been a close call on it. And you'll get your rematch, my friend.

janusd · March 8, 2004

Behold my completely outclassed 6.5k match. At least I had fun writing the thing, I suppose that's what counts. *shrug*

SWF FROM THE FIRE!

NO-ESCAPE, HARDCORE CAGE MATCH

"The Notorious" John Duran vs Terrence "Janus" Bailey

-------

Utter silence. Pitch blackness. It's time we return to SWF From The Fire.

In three.

Two.

One.

"RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"She takes possession, she has control

Next to you, I can touch the fire

And when the fever takes a hold

Next to you, I can touch the fire

I feel the heat pumping in my veins

Next to you, I can touch the fire

I see myself going up in flames,

Next to you, I can touch the fire!"

The sound of Icehouse's "Touch The Fire" nearly drowns out the rabid cheering of the fans as SWF From The Fire comes back on the air! The Staples Centre in Los Angeles is filled from ringside to rafters with screaming and cheering people, all eager to see this night of mayhem and hardcore madness continue. Panning over the decor of broken and flaming cars, buildings, and numerous other burning objects, the cameras beginning panning the fans. The usual simple signs are in attendance, from "Smark!" with the obligatory pointing arrows, and "I'm With Stupid" with an arrow pointing straight down.

And then the camera pans across the many superstar related signs, such as one particularly tasteful piece of art with the Hville Thugg standing over Alan Clark, holding his severed head. Others include one of the mighty Charlie Matthews, standing tall with his two belts, and the message "Grappler Is Rule!" underneath. Other signs include fan favourites Aecas and Toxxic, set to occur later tonight, as well as one saying that Va'aiga has 'no chance in hell' of retaining his title. As the camera begins its usual pan down towards the announce table, it catches sight of the ring.

A massive steel cage is sitting around the squared circle, with enough space to allow people outside to the floor. The door stands open, and inside the massive steel structure, weapons are haphazardly strewn about. Light tubes and steel chairs lay next to tables and rolls of barbed wire, and even more weapons show that the entire setup promises death and destruction. And finally, we're at the announce table, where Cyclone Comet and Bobby Riley sit with the most solemn look ever on their faces.

"Welcome back to SWF From The Fire, citizens and fans. Normally I'd be jumping out of my seat, but a horrible, horrible thing has happened tonight. Our beloved Commissioner has had one of his prized baseball bats STOLEN!"

"Bahahaha! That's not a horrible event. What's horrible is what's coming up when Duran is trapped with a fucking lunatic in that cage!" Riley's solemn facade cracks almost instantly.

"Do show some respect, Robert! While Citizen Bailey is going to unleash his righteous wrath upon Citizen Duran..."

"It's a freaking BASEBALL BAT, Comet! No need to get worked up about it!"

"I guess, my ambiguously gay friend. Anyway, we have a very violent match coming up, where Citizen Bailey finally gets his hands on Citizen Duran in a situation where he cannot flee!"

"Those were strategic retreats, Comet! Duran has Bailey's insane number any day of the week!"

As the two commentators argue over the virtue of Terrence being insane and whether Duran was really running away or strategically retreating, the camera pans over to Funyon. Everyone's favourite ring announcer rises from his chair and lifts his microphone. And his voice booms out over the arena.

"The following contest is a NO ESCAPE CAGE MATCH, with HARDCORE rules! Everything you see in the ring, and all other weapons are completely legal! The only way to win is to pin your opponent to the mat, and there are NO submissions! Introducing first..."

"NO!

NO!

NOTORIOUS!"

As the sound of Duran Duran's "Notorious" fades away into Spineshank's "Synthetic", the stage curtain is pushed aside. Striding out from the back in a "Sin 2 Win" t-shirt, John Duran surveys the crowd with a sarcastic smile on his face. As he strolls down the ramp however, something reveals itself to the fans - he's got a baseball bat on his shoulder, a baseball bat wrapped in light tubes.

"...from Champaign Illinois! Weighing two hundred and sixty eight pounds, and standing at six-foot-eight! Representing the Unnamed, he is the NOOOOOTORRRRIOUS JOHN DUUUUUUUURAN!"

"...I think I see where Commissioner Stevens' bat went, Robert."

"Duran is a genius! He gets one over on Stevens, and now he has an advantage over that big psycho!"

As the Notorious One strides to the bottom of the ramp and inspects the cage, the referee on the outside - senior SWF referee Mark Hebner - motions for him to enter. Duran glares at the referee, but his gaze almost softens at the sight of all the weapons. Inside the cage and waiting is Sexton Hardcastle, and slowly, John enters and takes a few light practice swings with his newfound weapon. The crowd just rains jeers and boos down on the Notorious One as he smirks back and looks around at the weapons, sure of himself now. And then the lights go out.

The heavy buzzing of an alarm fills the arena, as a single spotlight swings into view to center on the ramp. As the noise of the alarm continues, a word begins to fade into view on the Smarktron, bright red and glowing.

"I stand firm in my solidarity

The path I walk (the path I walk)

I walk in with my own resolve..."

Finally, with the sound of Killswitch Engage's "When Darkness Falls" building in the background, the word becomes fully visible.

[sTATUS: RELEASED!]

*BOOM!BOOM!BABABABABABABABABABOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*

Black and white pyrotechnics explode from the ramp as the familiar figure of the Anti-Heel Machine strides from behind the curtain and thrusts his arms into the air!

"When darkness falls! (When darkness falls)

We are reborn!

A dream since the fall of man!

We are reborn..."

"And his opponent! Hailing from Sydney Australia, and representing the UNHOLY Trinity! At seven-foot-two and three hundred and sixty pounds... he is the Anti-Heel Machine... TERRRRRRRENCE 'JAAAAAANUS' BAAAAAAAILEEEEEEEEEY!"

As the haze of black and white pyrotechnic delight drifts to the ground, people watch the giant shrug his great shoulders. Staring down towards the ring with eyes of dual green and red, the Anti-Heel Machine has a friend by his side. That friend is a black, barbed wire cricket bat, and as the big man begins to stalk towards the cage that contains John Duran, the Notorious One begins to look less sure of himself.

"It looks like Citizen Bailey has brought his -own- Equalizer with him today, Robert."

"Not only that, but he's clearly gone insane again! Look at his eyes!"

"Well, Robert, that surely doesn't mean..."

"Have you forgotten the street fight with Va'aiga?"

Both announcers shudder at remembering the outcome of that match. His jaw set, his dual-coloured eyes locked onto Duran, the Anti-Heel Machine strides through the cage door and enters the ring, and referee Mark Hebner closes the door. He locks it with a key, before wrapping a padlock and chain around the doorframe for added safety, and locking that too. In the ring, the two big men stand amid the plethora of hardcore weaponry, their Equalizers clutched firmly in their hands. Between them, Sexton Hardcastle looks around nervously, sensing the palpable hatred in the air. The poor referee waves to the timekeeper, and then throws himself out of the way of the two men.

*DING DING DING!*

Terrence lifts the Equalizer in preparation to swing at his opponent, but the Notorious One is faster. Swinging the bat low and hard, Duran doubles his opponent over with a swing into the stomach of the Anti-Heel Machine! Glass shatters and the air is driven from the bigger man's lungs, and a strangled, pained sound comes from his throat as he drops the Equalizer. Looking at the bleeding stomach of the Australian, John simply smirks and lifts the bat high, slamming it down again into the spine of his massive foe!

Terrence drops to his knees with another short cry, grimacing as blood begins to stream down his back. Lifting his head to glare at his opponent, all the Anti-Heel Machine sees is glass-fragmented wood slamming into his cheek as Duran makes another swing with the bat, cutting up the side of the monster's face and dropping him to the canvas! Diving onto the chest of his stunned and already bloodied opponent, the Notorious One hooks the leg for a pin attempt.

ONE!

...

....

.....KICKOUT!!

"No! Duran would have had it right there!" Riley whines.

"While he did manage to score an advantage over Citizen Bailey, Robert, our Australian friend is much tougher than he looks."

"He's a nutjob, they always have freakishly high constitutions."

Shaking his head and scowling, the Notorious One drags his seven foot foe up into a kneeling position. Once more picking up his baseball bat, Duran stares along his weapon at the Anti-Heel Machine, and takes another swing! But Terrence ducks his head, and as John spins a full revolution from the force of his swing, the giant slings his right arm up! The uppercut Knuckle Bomb slams into the Notorious One's jaw, jerking him upright and sending him stumbling back. Before Duran can recover, the Anti-Heel Machine reaches his full height once more, and swings a huge boot up to kick his opponent in the face!

Duran falls to the canvas, losing his grip on his equalizing weapon, which goes rolling across the ring. Terrence looms over him, hammering a few heavy stomps into his ribcage. Dragging the stunned Notorious One upright, the bleeding monster whips him into the ropes and then hoists him up into the air before dropping down with a thunderous sitout powerbomb into one of the steel chairs in the ring! As John arches his back in pain, Terrence chooses not to make the pinfall and rises to his feet, looking around the ring. Choosing to not go for a weapon at this time, the seven footer lifts a hand up and signals for a chokeslam.

"This match has barely started and the brutality has begun, Robert! Both men are suffering already!"

"Duran isn't bleeding, Comet. Terrence is. There's a difference." Riley replies smugly.

Comet looks ready to reply, but merely winces as Terrence clamps a hand around the Notorious One's hand for a chokeslam, but finds himself kicked in the groin! As he clutches his genitalia, John follows up with a hard knee to the giant's lacerated stomach, doubling him over once more. Underhooking both of his giant opponent's arms, the Notorious One falls back with a double arm DDT into the steel chair and rolls his opponent over again!

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!!

...KICKOUT!!

"Citizen Duran seems to be a bit desperate here, don't you agree, Robert?" Comet says, looking at the frustrated look on the face of the Notorious One.

"He just wants to be done with it and get out of there, Comet."

"I think he's scared of his opponent, my dear Citizen Riley."

Riley bites back a retort as he watches Duran rise to his feet, clearly annoyed that he hasn't been able to get the quick pin on his opponent. Glancing around the ring at the various hardcore items, his eyes fall on a table propped in one corner. Dragging his stunned foe upright once more, the Notorious One whips his lumbering opponent towards the turnbuckle, and Terrence turns to hit the table back first. The impact isn't hard enough to break the table, but as the Notorious One steams in for a spear, it seems there's some further pain due...but not for the Anti-Heel Machine as he twists his body out of the way, causing Duran to crash face first THROUGH the table!

The crowd gasps and cheers for this little moment, as Duran slumps against the turnbuckle with a surprised and pained expression. As he reels back with blood starting to run down his face, he feels a great set of hands grabbing his t-shirt and literally tearing it off his back! The Anti-Heel Machine throws the clothing away, and as the stunned Notorious One turns around, the giant slams a hard boot into his stomach and hooks his head! Lifting John off the ground and almost letting him float in the air, Terrence slams his oppponent face first into the mat with the implant DDT known as the Everdream! The crowd begins chanting for the seven footer as he glances around the ring once more.

The Anti-Heel Machine steps away from the Notorious One and scoops up the Equalizer into his gloved hands, but as he turns around he sees a rising Duran staring in shock at the weapon. John promptly rolls under the bottom rope to the floor, causing the fans to begin chanting at him once more.

"DU-RAN'S A PUS-SY!" *clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

As Terrence begins a walk towards the ropes and steps over them, Duran promptly leaps onto the apron and yanks on the top rope! Upsetting the seven foot Australian's balance, the Notorious One smiles at the boos as Terrence finds his crotch painfully meeting the top rope. Toppling over and onto the floor, the Anti-Heel Machine clutches his maligned genitals as Duran reaches into the ring and just manages to wrap his hand around the handle of his baseball bat. He stalks quickly towards the Anti-Heel Machine, who pulls himself up only to take a hard knee to the jaw. Grabbing a handful of black and white hair, the Notorious One drags Terrence upright and shoves him back into the cage.

As Terrence shakes his head and tries to get his bearings, Duran nails him square in the chest with the baseball bat! The fragmented glass embedded in the weapon carves bloody marks into the giant's chest, and Duran swings again, slamming the Anti-Heel Machine back into the cage once more. As he begins turn this into a rhythm, Terrence's chest begins to look like it's been run through a meat grinder. Finally, he steps back and lifts the bat up and takes a home run swing at the behemoth's face!

"FUCK YOU, PSYCHO!" he screams.

The bat stops dead however, as a huge hand wraps around it! Blood begins to stream instantly from the hand of the Anti-Heel Machine, who opens his eyes and stares straight through the Notorious One. Duran's stomach sinks as he realises who he's staring at, as the seven footer takes hold of the bat with both hands. He pulls it from Duran's grip, and bulging muscles tense....and with a loud *CRACK*, the baseball bat snaps, leaving the giant holding fragmented halves.

"No...fuck YOU." Janus hisses.

"....I think Citizen Duran's violent attempts to end this match early have just been curtailed, Robert." Comet murmurs.

"...I think I agree, oh spandexed one."

"In his attempts to try and brutally maim Citizen Bailey and get out of this match early, it seems Citizen Duran has... woken up... Citizen Janus." Comet fills the crowd in on this not so pleasant revelation.

Inside the cage, the look on John Duran's face is horrified. At a lurching run, the Notorious One bolts around the ring, looking for a weapon. Slowly, the Hell Machine reaches down to pick up the Equalizer that had fallen by his side. With all the patience and ominous slowness that marks his sadistic personality, Janus begins to walk around the ring with the Equalizer in hand. Searching the area outside the ring, the Notorious One finally rolls back under the bottom rope with a pair of light tubes. Clearly savouring some sort of dark pleasure, the Hell Machine takes his time in climbing up onto the apron and stepping over the top rope, but as his feet hit the ground the desperate Duran strikes!

Swinging a single lighttube at the giant's head, the Notorious One finds his wrist clamped in the giant's indomitable grip. Reacting instantly as the pain shoots through his arm, Duran kicks his opponent square in the stomach, and Janus shudders in pain as the blow strikes lacerated flesh. But rather than double over, the Hell Machine stays standing on two feet, increasing his pressure on the wrist of John Duran. Dropping to one knee and crying out in pain, the Unnamed member does the first thing that comes to mind...

...and slams his second light tube up into the balls of Janus! The tube shatters, and the giant almost seems to freeze on the spot, releasing his opponent's wrist. The Equalizer, lifted above his head in preparation to strike down at Duran, falls from his hand as he stumbles back. Clutching his punished area with one hand as his other arm finds the ropes, Janus slumps against them. The look of painful death on his face tells Duran that when the big man can move again, the Notorious One is in trouble.

"Citizen Duran goes low and painfully so, to escape the clutches of the Hell Machine!" Comet calls.

"I think he better get out of that cage, right here and right now, Comet."

"He can't, the only way out is up, Robert. And he can only win by pinning his opponent..."

Clearly Duran is thinking something similar, as he glances towards the door of the cage, and then at the tall steel structure around them. As he does so, the Hell Machine launches himself off the ropes, but the Notorious One spots it coming! Quickly ducking, Duran nails a shoulderblock into the lacerated stomach of the giant, causing him to stagger back once more. Rather than stop to pick up weapons, the Notorious One goes on the attack, lunging at his larger opponent and hammering body shots into the giant's completely bloodied torso. An attempt to straighten and fire back is stopped by a poke to the eyes, and Duran runs for the ropes. As he comes back, he launches himself into the air, slamming a high knee into Janus' chest. The big man teeters on the ropes, just about ready to fall over...

...but the ropes support him, and the giant tilts back into a standing position and lunges forward! The Notorious One scoops his opponent up and brings him down again with a quick and dirty powerslam in response, hooking the leg for a pinfall attempt!

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!!

...

....KICKOUT!!

"Despite all the brutal punishment Citizen Bai... err... Citizen Janus... has received in this so-far short match, he refuses to stay down!"

"No psychopath stays down, Comet! Haven't you seen the movies? Duran's gonna have to break his neck or something!"

"Let's hope it never goes that far, Robert..."

Duran growls his frustration out at the wide-eyed Sexton Hardcastle, before proceeding to stomp a hole in the center of his opponent's chest. Rolling over onto his stomach does the Hell Machine little better, as John simply tranfers his stomps to the giant's lacerated back. His own face bloodstained, the Notorious One scans the ring and with a smile, spots the big man's own Equalizer. Striding over to pick up the weapon, Duran turns around to find a bloody Australian slowly pushing himself to his feet, and with a battle cry charges at the big man's back with the Equalizer raised!

Janus however will have none of it, spinning on the spot and throwing his arm out in a beautiful rolling lariat that slams into Duran's forehead! Stumbling but still holding the Equalizer, the Notorious One tries to recover, but is pulled forward once more into a stunning headbutt! Now with his brain well and truely scrambled, John finds himself lifted into the air in a massive gorilla press, kicking his legs weakly while Janus takes a short jog across the ring... and THROWS DURAN FROM THE RING STRAIGHT INTO THE WALL OF THE CAGE!

"HOLY SHIT!"

"The sheer POWER of Citizen Janus is truely a frightening thing to behold, Robert! The entire cage shuddered from that!" Comet calls with awe.

"I think it's more the fact he's soaked in blood and he has that grin on his face, Comet." Riley says shakily.

"Maybe Citizen Duran SHOULD run away if he can..."

"I'm... positive... he'll find a way to beat him, Comet."

Riley however does not sound too convinced, especially since the fact the Hell Machine has a grin a mile wide plastered across his face. Scanning the ring once more, the giant strides over to one of the corners, and picks up a roll of barbed wire. As John Duran grimaces on the outside and begins to use the cage to drag himself up, the seven foot monster holds the roll of barbed wire up to a pop from the crowd, before sliding out of the ring. Wrapping the spiky steel wire around his wrist and right hand, the Hell Machine advances on the rising, aching form of John Duran.

Seeing the monster out of the corner of his eye, the Notorious One waits. As the big man launches a huge barbed-wire Knuckle Bomb, Duran drops flat, and the entire cage shudders again as the giant's fist plows directly into it! Snarling, the Hell Machine stumbles back and begins pulling the barbed wire off his arm, cutting himself up further. He throws the bloody barbed wire to the side and attempts to rub feeling back into his hand. And it's at this moment Duran rises like a demon from the depths, swinging the Equalizer with all his might!

*KA-RAAAAAAAAAAACK!*

The Hell Machine looks like he's seeing stars as the Equalizer collides with the side of his head, sending him stumbling to the side. Blinking hazily and shaking his head, Janus attempts to stay upright as his world twists and wobbles around him. Rather than risk another swing with the weapon that could be blocked, John Duran drops the Equalizer and throws himself forward! The running forearm nails the bigger man in the jaw, dropping his stunned arse into a sitting position on the mat outside the ring. Dragging his stunned opponent by the arm, the Notorious One props Janus up against the steel steps and moves back to get a running start.

As he charges forward with a running knee however, the eyes of the Hell Machine widen, and the big man slumps ot the side! Duran's knee collides full on with the steps, and with a loud cry of pain the Notorious One collapses to the ground, clutching said knee. Next to Duran, his Australian opponent slumps, shaking his head weakly and crawling towards the cage wall as aid to get back up. As the camera gets a good look at the bloodied face of the big man, something happens. The dark smile, the sadistic ignorance of pain, it's gone. It's simply an expression of stunned shock.

"...Comet...?"

"Yes, Robert?"

"I think... Duran knocked some sense... into the big idiot."

"It... kind of looks that way, doesn't it?"

Shaking his head firmly and trying not to fall over again, the Anti-Heel Machine leans against the cage, blinking rapidly. Pain radiates through every inch of Terrence's body, and he feels acutely aware that the only uninjured part of him was his legs. Looking at his bloody hands, touching his bloody face with ginger fingers, the Anti-Heel Machine knows inside who's been having fun. And while Terrence Bailey tries to reconcile just which part of him is in control, John Duran is on the move. Unknowing and quite possibly uncaring of the big man's personality shift, the Notorious One grabs the Equalizer. He carefully rises and stumbles away from the seemingly unnoticing big man, using the apron as support. And the chants of the crowd finally penetrate the hazes of the two men.

"TERRENCE AND JANUS!" *clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

"DU-RAN'S A PUS-SY!" *stomp-stomp stomp-stomp-stomp*

"TERRENCE AND JANUS!" *clap-clap clap-clap-clap*

"DU-RAN'S A PUS-SY!" *stomp-stomp stomp-stomp-stomp*

"Comet, are they cheering both of that big freak's personalities on?"

"Seems like it, Robert. I can't say I condone it..."

"Terrence doesn't look like he can comprehend what they're saying!"

"Neither does John Duran, Robert. Look, he's at the door to the cage."

Duran slams a fist on the door to the cage and yells for Mark Hebner to unlock it. The referee solemnly shakes his head and tells the Notorious One that he knows the rules. Clearly frustrated, John slams his fist on the door again and steps away, then gives it a hard kick. But the lock and chain hold, and all the move does is shake the cage a little. Finally admitting he can't open the door, Duran turns his attention to the cage and carefully puts his hands on it. Out of the corner of his eye he sees the Anti-Heel Machine moving towards him at a slow, pained stagger. And he begins to climb up, hoping to get out of the reach of his dual-eyed, dual-personalitied opponent.

He feels the cage shake a few moments later, and half-way up he looks down to see his bloodied opponent scaling up as well! Although faster than Terrence, he doesn't have the seven footer's long reach, and with a slow inevitability the giant gains ground. Three-quarters of the way up the cage, the Anti-Heel Machine and the Notorious One are side by side, and both stop their movement. Clinging precariously, Duran holds onto the cage with one hand and swings his other out in a punch that catches Terrence in the shoulder. The bigger man slips and falls a bit, but locks onto the cage and pulls himself up again. And as the Notorious One swings his body out from the cage in position for another punch...the Anti-Heel Machine's hand shoots out and locks over his throat!

John's eyes bulge as both he and Terrence precariously balance their bodies against the cage, a hand and foot of the Anti-Heel Machine the only thing stopping a nasty fall. Suspending Duran out in open space, the giant turns his dual-coloured eyes to the crowd, and then into those of the struggling Notorious One. And then, time seems to slow as the big man releases the cage and tilts forward, throwing himself and Duran down... down... down...

"Comet... Jesus Christ..."

"... I have no words, Robert."

...AND INTO THE THIN OUTSIDE MATTING WITH A MASSIVE SUPER CHOKESLAM! The crowd rises on its feet in stunned shock, cheering wildly for the insane move. Sexton Hardcastle nervously slithers out of the ring, finding the Notorious One and the Anti-Heel Machine sprawled on the matting. Both twitch and move only a little, but the referee spots the Australian's arm slumped over the body of his foe, and drops down to check the shoulders for a count!

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!!

...

....

.....

THREEEEEEEEE....AND ON INSTINCT, DURAN MANAGES TO LIFT HIS SHOULDER A FRACTION OFF THE MATTING!

"Citizen Duran kicks out! Perhaps he actually wants to win this insane match, Robert!" Comet calls in surprise.

"No! It had to be instinct! There would have been no more punishment if he hadn't done that!" Riley shrieks.

Signalling two to the alternately booing (those that want the match over) and cheering (those that want the Notorious One to suffer) fans, Hardcastle backs away from the two bodies. Duran grimaces and rolls into his stomach, agony radiating from every point on his back as he writhes in pain, dragging his body towards the cage and beginning to use it as a support. The Anti-Heel Machine attempts to slowly, surely push himself up by his arms, but the bloodied Australian slumps back to the mat with a wheeze, seemingly completely spent.

Looking around hazily, the Notorious One spots his opponent on the matting and the arm he'd rolled away from, some part of his mind telling him he'd kicked out. Part of him is happy that he hasn't lost yet, but the other part tells him he's a fool for continuing in the environment of a madman. Aching, knowing he nor his opponent can withstand this sort of punishment much longer, the Notorious One watches Terrence once more begin to slowly, surely try to lift himself up.

Lifting his arms and moving behind his opponent, John waits patiently as the big man takes several minutes to find his bearings and lift himself to his knees. As he begins to stand however, the Notorious One strikes, hooking in a full nelson and heaving with all his strength, slamming the Anti-Heel Machine down with a full-nelson drop! But that's not all, as he drops back to the matting, keeping the full nelson locked in and scissoring the giant's waist!

"BREAK POINT! BREAK POINT! If Duran can make that big lunatic pass out or tap out here, the match is all over!" Riley calls excitedly.

"One problem, Robert! The match has a pinfall-only win stipulation! Duran CANNOT make his opponent tap out or faint to get the win!"

"That may be so, but if he passes out..." Riley sounds almost excited enough to cream his pants.

"Easy pinfall." Comet concludes.

As pain surges through his neck and body, Terrence Bailey's eyes roll back in his head, as the Anti-Heel Machine begins to pass out. Blood-soaked and battle weary, the seven footer knows he could just pass out here, get pinned, and lose the match. And then he could recover from all the punishment his body has taken. But even as consciousness begins to slip away...

...and the sadistic wrath of Janus takes over once more, determined to teach John Duran a lesson! Eyes shooting open again, the Hell Machine lets out a wordless roar and SITS UP in the Break Point! Keeping the deadly submission locked in out of desperation, the Notorious One feels Janus begin to rise to his feet, and feels a rush of hope as the Hell Machine falters and drops to his knees! John realises the hold is still exerting enough punishment to push the big man towards unconsciousness... at least until Janus throws himself back, crushing Duran between himself and the cage!

When one slam doesn't do it, the Hell Machine leans forward and throws himself back again, grinding and crushing John Duran between bloodied flesh and steel. As the Notorious One releases the hold and slumps agaomst the cage with a pained look in his eyes, Janus stumbles forward and has to lean on the apron to get his bearings. The giant is beginning to feel lightheaded, though whether from adrenaline or blood loss is hard to tell. Pulling himself up onto the apron and over the top rope, the big man stumbles into the ring again. The crowd cheers him on from all sides, revitalising the cold-hearted, psychotic half of Terrence Bailey as if he were their hero.

"This... is troubling me, Robert."

"The fact they're cheering the psychopath again?"

"Exactly. Such sadistic violence is not heroic, it's downright villainous..."

As Janus leans on the opposite ropes, the Notorious One makes a cautious reappearance, slowly sliding under the bottom rope. Hoping to catch his opponent while he's distracted, John Duran steps quietly across the ring - until his foot lands with a *clank* on a steel chair. The Hell Machine stiffens and begins to turn around as the Notorious One charges forward! But the Unnamed team member runs right into a stiff boot to the stomach, and Janus cinches in a front facelock and turns away from the ropes! As he hoists John Duran into the air in a massive vertical suplex, the crowd goes almost deadly quiet as they recognise the move known as the Rage Unleashed.

"It's time for the Rage Unleash..." Comet begins to say.

But with a desperate kicking of his legs, the Notorious One finds a way out of the situation he's in by offsetting the bloodied giant's balance! Slipping out of blood-slicked hands and landing with a grimace behind Janus, Duran scoops the Hell Machine up in a torture rack!

"No! It's Blunt Force Trauma time!" Riley counters.

As the Notorious One prepares to deliver the Blunt Force Trauma however, his back sends ripples of pain through him and he stumbles to the side, dropping Janus onto his feet. The Hell Machine grits his teeth and swings around, slamming a hard boot into his opponent's stomach. As Duran doubles over and scrabbles at the ground, the giant shoves him into a standing headscissors and slashes both hands across his throat in a very familiar signal!

"He's calling for the Dark Bomb!" Comet cries.

"No! Duran! Get out of it!" Riley squeaks.

As the Hell Machine drags John Duran off his feet and up into the air for the massive powerbomb, the Notorious One reveals the steel chair he's dragged with him, and slams it down into the seven footer's skull! Landing on his feet as the giant releaseshim, John drops the chair slams his own boot into the big man's stomach! Almost mirroring the giant, he pulls Janus into a standing headscissors and throws his arms out to his sits, calling for the Ultimate Sin!

"Duran's had enough! Time for the Ultimate Sin on the chair!" Riley calls.

"So has Janus it seems! Look!" Comet responds shakily.

As Duran holds his arms out in the signal for the Ultimate Sin, his opponent moves. The giant begins to straighten up, hooking his opponent by an arm and leg, pulling him up into a fireman's carry position. Rather than begin spinning around for the Thoughts In Chaos however, the battered and bloodstained Australian simply drops to the side. The crowd winces at the painful looking angle that John Duran's head hits the mat at, and the Notorious One goes limp as he falls to the ground.

"What was... that? Riley queries.

"Citizen Bailey called it the Relapse... a deliberate, incorrectly executed death valley driver..."

"I... guess... Janus got sick of the match..."

As the giant sits on the ground, however, something occurs to the two announcers. The way he looks once more stunned. The semi-horrified look as he turns John Duran over and sprawls across him in a pinfall attempt. It hadn't been the dreaded, psychotic, punishment-loving Hell Machine that had delivered that finishing blow...

...it had been Terrence.

ONE!

...

....

.....

TWO!!

...

....

.....

THRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

As John Duran shifts and groans on the mat, showing signs that he's still alive and wasn't killed by the move, the crowd bursts out in cheers! Terrence Bailey rises to a kneeling position, staring out through the cage bars at the cheering people. As the sound of Killswitch Engage's "When Darkness Falls" roars out over the arena, Funyon once more rises to his feet.

"The WINNER of this bout, by PINFALL.... the ANTIIIII HEEEEEEEEL MAAAAACHINE..... TERRRRRRENCE 'JAAAAAANUS' BAAAAAAILEEEEEEEEEY!"

"When darkness falls! (When darkness falls)

We are reborn!

A dream since the fall of man!

We are reborn..."

Rising shakily to his feet, the Anti-Heel Machine doesn't have to wait for the cage to be opened. The moment the three had been counted, the mechanism that lifted the cage was already operating. This allowed the EMTs with their stretchers and medical equipment to come right up to the ring, where they rolled in and checked on the fallen Duran. As they shifted the Notorious One carefully to a stretcher and wrapped a brace around his neck to protect against possible injury, the two commentators looked on.

"Citizens Bailey and Duran gave it their all to see that this match was violent, Robert."

"I think... John pushed too hard, and his opponent, well..."

"Let's just hope that move didn't permanently injure something, Robert..."

"Agreed, Comet..."

"TERRENCE!" *stomp-stomp!*

"JANUS!" *stomp-stomp!*

"TERRENCE!" *stomp-stomp!*

"JANUS!" *stomp-stomp!*

As the sound of Killswitch Engage slowly begins to fade out, it's overwhelmed by the sound of the fans. Stomping their feet in unison and calling the Anti-Heel and Hell Machine's names, they thank him for the punishment he dealt out upon John Duran. Terrence merely smiles weakly and lifts an arm to acknowledge their cheers as the EMTs help the blood-soaked giant out of the ring. As he stumbles up the ramp with their aid, he turns his head left and right to look at the cheering fans.

The ones on his left see the calm smiling face of Terrence Bailey.

The ones on his right see the toothy, sadistic grin of Janus.

And when he turns his head forward again, it's an odd mix... a calm, yet sadistic smile. As the giant and his supporting EMTs disappear backstage in the wake of John Duran's stretcher, the cameras pan back down towards the announce table. Cyclone Comet and Bobby Riley look at each other for several long moments, before finally speaking again.

"And in the wake of that carnage, we move on to something just as bloody, but most likely not quite as disturbing!" Comet shills.

"We get to see that newcomer Toxxic ripped limb from limb in a 200 Lighttubes match with the last nutjob's almost-as-nutty friend Aecas!"

"Now now, Robert, Toxxic DOES have a chance you know..."

"Yeah, right..."

The camera pans to the blood-stained ring and the weapons around it, weapons that are already being cleared away by ringside personnel as the cameras fade to commercial. A commercial featuring none other than Unholy Trinity leader Dace Night and his RYOBI Weedwhacker...

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